Loving This Week: Cozy Capes + a Minimalist Coat Steal

Monday, September 29, 2014

Zara Sweater - Uniqlo Coat - Neiman Marcus Cape - Saks Fifth Avenue Sweater - Zara Cape

Here in the Bay Area we got our first – and much needed – rain of the season this past week. Suddenly hope is in the air. After two years without a true winter, we may actually get some chilly, wet weather this year. I’m pretty excited. My favorite shopping picks this week reflect that.

I’m all about a cozy cape this fall, whether it be a soft sweater style or a more traditional outerwear piece. Both options feel very modern this season. I’m also having a ton of fun browsing all of the chunky knit sweaters that are so popular this year. It’s so hard to pick just a few, so I’m trying hard to find budget buys to extend my shopping dollar. Check out what’s in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Zara Two-Tone Sweater, $79.90
I try hard to stay away from acrylic sweaters. They always look and feel great in the store, but quickly shrink and pill up at home. That being said, I’m so in love with this chunky knit grey sweater than I’m willing to deal with the fact that it’s going to be a short lived relationship.

2. Uniqlo Cashmere Blend Stand Collar Coat, $129.90
If you are a fan of the minimalist aesthetic, don’t pass up this coat. It’s one of the best deals around right now in that particular fashion genre. Unbelievably, the outer layer of this coat is crafted from a wool/ cashmere blend – not a synthetic in sight! It’s available in dark grey, black, and navy. At this price, you may even want to pick up two.

3. Neiman Marcus Cashmere-Blend Cable-Knit Cape, $157.50 (was $315.00)
Here’s the first of two capes I fell for this week. This wool/ cashmere blend version is really more of a sweater than a true piece of outerwear, but I think it will be perfect for my casual workplace. It has a classic, upscale look, thanks to the traditional cable knit and the camel color, that I think will keep it relevant for several seasons.

4. Saks Fifth Avenue BLUE Funnelneck Marled Pullover, $97.99 (was $225.00)
I’m really liking the silhouette of this sweater find. The contrast of the draped funnelneck with the short sleeves is fun. I’d probably wear a long-sleeved tee or thin sweater underneath on chilly days, but it would be great as-is for the first few weeks of fall.

5. Zara Double-Sided Cape, $169.00
This second cape definitely has more of an outerwear feel to it. It’s also more likely to function like outerwear thanks to the substantial wool/ polyester blend. I love the color and the rounded hems, as well as the way the lighter color underside peeks out at the armholes and hem. It will create a very striking look for such a bargain buy.